But he and Adam Buxton will do three shows from Glasto later this month, and are to make a full return later this year.

The pair won a Sony Award last month for their Saturday morning show which was judged best comedy programme. They last presented the show in December and listeners had been given no date for their return, although Buxton has begun a new solo show on the threatened station.

But Cornish confirmed a return in a blog for the BBC - to which the pair affectionately refer on-air as the Big British Castle.

"We're both really excited about being on air together again, and can't wait to serve you with top notch music and piping-hot, ill-prepared waffle," he said.

A BBC spokeswoman confirmed they would return more permanently.

"All good things come to those who wait so Adam and Joe's shows for 6 Music at Glastonbury will be a treat for all the fans anticipating their planned return to their Saturday morning slot at the Big British Castle later this year," she said.

The station is earmarked for closure under the BBC's strategic review which is still awaiting a decision by the BBC Trust.

The potential closure was discussed in the House of Lords yesterday with Lord Clement-Jones calling it "cultural and economic vandalism".